Multi-compartment package device

ABSTRACT

A multi-compartment packaging device for a single product includes a flexible pouch defining an interior cavity, having at least two sidewalls, a closed end along one end of the pouch, and an open but closeable end for receiving a product therethrough along an opposing end of the pouch. The length of the pouch extends from the open end to the closed end. At least one permanent partition strip is located within the interior cavity of the flexible pouch, extending from one of the open and closed ends toward the other of the open and closed ends. The length of the partition strip is shorter than the pouch length, to form at least two separate but fluidly communicating compartments within the interior cavity.

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/091,244, filed on Dec. 12, 2014, the entire contentsof which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally directed to a multi-compartmentpackaging device, and more particularly to a multi-compartment packagingdevice having at least one partition strip therein.

Packages such as bags or pouches containing a product therein arenaturally subject to the laws of gravity. Therefore, the less volume thecontents within a flexible package occupy, the more the contents shiftfrom one end of the package to the other during transport. Thus, thecontents within the package frequently reshape the package into agenerally conical shape, i.e., wider at one end and narrower at theopposing end. One disadvantage of such packages is that multiplepackages, each of a relatively different shape, will not stack up wellagainst one another, and thus take up more space in transport, or instorage. Another disadvantage of such packages is that they are notoptimal for handling.

Therefore, it would be advantageous to manufacture a packaging devicehaving multiple compartments therein, to assist in more equallydistributing contents throughout the packaging device, in order toimprove handling, and efficient transport and storage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Briefly stated, one aspect of the present invention is directed to amulti-compartment packaging device for a single product. The packagingdevice comprises a flexible pouch defining an interior cavity, having atleast two sidewalls, a closed end along one end of the pouch, and anopen but closeable end for receiving a product therethrough along anopposing end of the pouch. A pouch length extends from the open end tothe closed end. At least one permanent partition strip is located withinthe interior cavity of the flexible pouch, extending from one of theopen and closed ends toward the other of the open and closed ends andhaving a strip length which is shorter than the pouch length. The atleast one partition strip forms at least two separate but fluidlycommunicating compartments within the interior cavity.

Another aspect of the invention is directed to multi-compartment packagehaving a single product therein. The package comprises a flexible pouchdefining an interior cavity, having at least two sidewalls, a firstclosed end along one end of the pouch, a second closed end along anopposing end of the pouch. A pouch length extends from the first closedend to the second closed end. At least one permanent partition strip islocated within the interior cavity of the flexible pouch, and extendsfrom one of the first and second closed ends toward the other of thefirst and second closed ends, and having a strip length which is shorterthan the pouch length. The at least one partition strip forms at leasttwo separate but fluidly communicating compartments within the interiorcavity. The single product is contained within the interior cavity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofa preferred embodiment of the invention, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose ofillustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings an embodimentwhich is presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that theinvention is not limited to the precise arrangements andinstrumentalities shown. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a side elevational view of a packaging device of the currentinvention, including continuous partition strips;

FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the packaging device of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2A is a side elevational view of the packing device of the currentinvention, including partition strips comprised of successive discreteportions; and

FIG. 2B is a perspective view of the packaging device of FIG. 2A.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenienceonly and is not limiting. The words “lower,” “bottom,” “upper” and “top”designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Thewords “inwardly,” “outwardly,” “upwardly” and “downwardly” refer todirections toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center ofthe packaging device, and designated parts thereof, in accordance withthe present disclosure. Unless specifically set forth herein, the terms“a,” “an” and “the” are not limited to one element, but instead shouldbe read as meaning “at least one.” The terminology includes the wordsnoted above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import.

It should also be understood that the terms “about,” “approximately,”“generally,” “substantially” and like terms, used herein when referringto a dimension or characteristic of a component of the invention,indicate that the described dimension/characteristic is not a strictboundary or parameter and does not exclude minor variations therefromthat are functionally similar. At a minimum, such references thatinclude a numerical parameter would include variations that, usingmathematical and industrial principles accepted in the art (e.g.,rounding, measurement or other systematic errors, manufacturingtolerances, etc.), would not vary the least significant digit.

Referring to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate likeelements throughout, there is shown in FIGS. 1A-2B a preferredembodiment of a packaging device, generally designated 10, according tothe present invention. The packaging device 10 is adapted for sealinglypackaging any one of a numerous variety of products or formulations,such as, for example, without limitation, topical formulations, e.g.,gel, oil, cream, shampoo, and lotion, pharmaceutical products, cosmeticproducts and the like, and for more equally distributing the product orformulation throughout the packaging device 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, the packaging device 10 includes a flexiblepouch 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the pouch 12 is generallyrectangular in shape, having opposing sidewalls 12 a, a closed end 12 balong one end of the pouch 12, and an open but closeable end 12 c, alongan opposing end of the pouch. A product or formulation is received intoan interior cavity 12 d of the pouch 12 via the open end 12 c. As shouldbe understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, however, the pouch12 may take the form of any of numerous different shapes, while havingan opening sufficient for inserting a product into the pouch 12. Thepouch 12 defines a length L₁ extending from the open end 12 c to theclosed end 12 b.

The pouch 12 is preferably formed of multiple overlying polymericlayers. For example, without limitation, the pouch 12 may be formed of afirst or interior polyethylene (“PE”) layer, a second or middle aluminumlayer, and a third or exterior polyethylene terephthalate (“PET”) layer.Each polymeric layer may be adhered to the adjacent layer by gluing orsticking the two layers to one another via an intervening binding layer,such as, for example, without limitation, a layer of ethylene acrylatecopolymer (“EEA”). Alternatively, the polymeric layers may be laminatedtogether, i.e., adhered together by heating. As another example, withoutlimitation, the pouch 12 may be formed of a first or interior Surlyn®layer (Surlyn® Ionomer Resin, sold by E. I. du Pont de Nemours andCompany of Wilmington, Del.), a second or middle aluminum layer, and athird or exterior PET layer. In some embodiments, the pouch 12 may beformed of a single layer.

One advantage of having an interior Surlyn® layer is that Surlyn® meltsat a lower temperature than PE, and therefore the open end 12 c of thepouch 12 can be heat sealed substantially without degrading or damaginga heat sensitive product inside the pouch 12. As should be understood bythose of ordinary skill in the art, however, the multiple layer pouch 12may alternatively be made of a single polymeric material. As also shouldbe understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the pouch 12 may beformed of any of numerous different materials, currently known or thatlater become known, providing generally the same properties for thepouch 12 as described herein. Further, the pouch 12 may be appropriatelysized for receiving the desired quantity/volume of product, such as, forexample, without limitation, within the range of about 10 ml to about300 ml.

As shown, at least one permanent partition strip 14 is formed within theinterior cavity 12 d of the pouch 12, extending from one of the open (12c) and closed (12 b) ends toward the other of the open (12 c) and closed(12 b) ends of the pouch 12. In the illustrated embodiment, eachpartition strip 14 extends from the closed end 12 b and defines asubstantially equivalent length L₂ that is shorter than the pouch lengthL₁, thereby forming at least two separate, but fluidly communicatingcompartments 14 a within the interior cavity 12 d. In the illustratedembodiment, the interior cavity 12 d includes two spaced apart partitionstrips 14, thereby forming three compartments 14 a. However, as shouldbe understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the pouch 12 mayinclude one partition strip 14 or more than two partition strips 14,according to, for example, the size of the pouch 12. As also should beunderstood, the partition strips 14 may have different lengths, but arepreferably shorter than the length L₁ of the pouch 12.

Each partition strip 14 may be formed by heat sealing the opposinginterior sides of the pouch 12 using a press, in a manner wellunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, a stripof material, sealable to the opposing interior sides may be placedwithin the pouch 12 during manufacture thereof, and sealed to theinterior sides via a heated press, or through a non-heated adhesive. Itshould be understood that the partition strips 14 are permanent, meaningthat a force applied to separate the opposing sides of the pouch 12 willdamage, tear or rupture the pouch 12 prior to tearing or rupturing thepartition strip 14. As shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, the partition strips 14may comprise a continuous strip 14, or, alternatively, as shown in FIGS.2A, 2B, the partition strips 14 may comprise a plurality of successivediscrete portions 14 b. As the partition strips 14 are shorter than thelength L₁ of the pouch 12, the compartments 14 a are fluidlycommunicated regardless.

In use, a single product or formulation, i.e., a single substance or apre-mixed substance, is filled into the interior cavity 12 d of thepouch 12 through the open end 12 c, preferably with the pouch 12oriented with the open end 12 c at the top, as shown in FIG. 1A, andthen the open end 12 c of the pouch 12 is sealed, e.g., via heatsealing. The pouch 12 may include the partition strip(s) 14 prior tofilling the interior cavity 12 d with the product, or, alternatively, ifthe product is not heat sensitive, each partition strip 14 may be formedafter a desired amount of product is filled into the interior cavity 12d, or after the entire desired amount of product is inserted into theinterior cavity 12.

One advantage of the partition strip(s) 14 is that the strip(s) 14increase the structural integrity of the flexible pouch 12, helping thepouch 12 to remain in a more stable shape during handling, transport andstorage. The partition strip(s) 14 also function to more equivalentlydistribute the product among the compartments 14 a, and to partiallyimpede to product from moving within the pouch 12 when the pouch isoriented as shown in FIG. 1A, according to gravitational force, therebyassisting in preventing the pouch 12 from having one end 12 b beingsubstantially wider than the opposing end 12 c. Accordingly, forexample, the pouch 12 may more closely maintain a rectangular shape,providing for improved handling, as well as more efficient storage, suchas, for example, via more efficient stacking of multiple packages 10atop one another.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could bemade to the embodiment described above without departing from the broadinventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that thisdisclosure is not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but itis intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of thepresent disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A multi-compartment packaging device for a single product,comprising: a flexible pouch defining an interior cavity, having atleast two sidewalls, a closed end along one end of the pouch, and anopen but closeable end for receiving a product therethrough along anopposing end of the pouch, a pouch length extending from the open end tothe closed end; and at least one permanent partition strip within theinterior cavity of the flexible pouch, extending from one of the openand closed ends toward the other of the open and closed ends and havinga strip length which is shorter than the pouch length, said at least onepartition strip forming at least two separate but fluidly communicatingcompartments within the interior cavity.
 2. The multi-compartmentpackaging device of claim 1, wherein the at least one partition stripcomprises a continuous partition strip.
 3. The multi-compartmentpackaging device of claim 1, wherein the at least one partition stripcomprises a plurality of successive discrete portions.
 4. Themulti-compartment packaging device of claim 1, wherein the flexiblepouch is constructed of a plurality of overlying polymeric layers. 5.The multi-compartment packaging device of claim 4, wherein the flexiblepouch is constructed of a PET layer, an aluminum layer and one of a PElayer or a Surlyn® layer.
 6. The multi-compartment packaging device ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one permanent partition strip is comprisedof a heat sealed material.
 7. A multi-compartment package for a singleproduct, comprising: a flexible pouch defining an interior cavity,having at least two sidewalls, a first closed end along one end of thepouch, a second closed end along an opposing end of the pouch, a pouchlength extending from the first closed end to the second closed end; atleast one permanent partition strip within the interior cavity of theflexible pouch, extending from one of the first and second closed endstoward the other of the first and second closed ends and having a striplength which is shorter than the pouch length, said at least onepartition strip forming at least two separate but fluidly communicatingcompartments within the interior cavity; and a single product containedwithin the interior cavity.
 11. The multi-compartment package of claim10, wherein the single product is substantially equivalently distributedamong the at least two fluidly communicating compartments.
 12. Themulti-compartment package of claim 10, wherein the at least onepartition strip comprises a continuous partition strip.
 13. Themulti-compartment package of claim 10, wherein the at least onepartition strip comprises a plurality of successive discrete portions.14. The multi-compartment package of claim 10, wherein the at least onepermanent partition strip is comprised of a heat sealed material.